To address a critical shortfall of nurses in today’s healthcare system, including in our home state of Connecticut, Mitchell College has added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program to our roster of career-focused majors, providing exciting new opportunities for those considering work in a health-related field. Built on our abilities-based model—which teaches adaptability and resiliency throughout the curriculum—the Mitchell B.S.N. is designed to empower and support students from different backgrounds and experiences to pursue work in this rapidly growing, in-demand field.
Unique to this program is the opportunity to study nursing in a learning community focused on accessibility and neuroequity, which have direct impacts on health equity. The program aligns with Mitchell’s core of mission to offer opportunity and possibility by supporting learners and community members who are often underserved in the nation’s education system and in broader society.
Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College, said, “Within Connecticut, there is a strong demand for nursing professionals and a waitlist for seats in nursing programs. Making the nursing profession—one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States—accessible to our students meets both their needs and workforce demands. It also offers a pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses to complete their B.S.N. Mitchell College is especially proud to serve the wider community in Southeastern Connecticut by preparing our students to fill healthcare needs. We are located just one mile from Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, our lead clinical partner, and within close proximity to our other clinical partners. Mitchell is excited to leverage these community resources for learning and practice opportunities for our students.”
“Lawrence + Memorial Hospital is thrilled that Mitchell College is adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to its degree offerings,” said Mitchell College board member and L+M Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Shannon Christian. “There is a critical need for nurses at L+M, at Westerly Hospital, and across all the Yale New Haven Health hospitals. Programs like this that will help reduce the shortage of nurses is a win-win for everyone. We look forward to collaborating with Mitchell College on clinical opportunities for these students.”
In addition to Yale New Haven Health/Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, other clinical partners include Colchester and Waterford public schools, Shoreline Therapy Center, and the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. In each of the six semesters of the program, students will participate in a clinical placement, a patient care experience designed to expose them to a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations.
Learning in an environment that embraces, celebrates, and supports differences will directly benefit the experience and success of students in the nursing program. It will also foster an awareness and understanding to develop sensitivities in delivering healthcare. The nursing program embodies person-centered care with respect to diversity, differences, preferences, values, needs, resources and the determinants of health unique to the individual.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Beaulieu, vice president for academic affairs, said, “The mission of the nursing program, which embodies the foundational principle of person-centered care, is to celebrate and develop unique nursing students who will cultivate ethical values, quality care, a spirit of intellectual inquiry, and a readiness to serve others. The program is also equipped to address the needs of our students. While in the program, nursing students can take advantage of a flexible make-up policy to participate in extracurricular activities and individualized accommodation planning that will meet students where they are. Transfer students are also welcome to apply, as previous college credits are given thoughtful consideration during the admissions process.”
Mitchell College recently completed a simulation lab on campus for student nurses that is fully equipped with medical equipment and training manikins, thanks to funding from the Edward and Mary Lord Foundation. The lifelike manikins span all ages, including an infant, a youth, and a maternity manikin, and reflect a diversity of skin shades. Students will use both high- and low-fidelity manikins in the SIM lab to practice a variety of healthcare techniques and procedures. Successful completion of the B.S.N. program will authorize students to sit for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (R.N.).
New London Mayor Michael Passero said, “I am thrilled about the new nursing program at Mitchell College and the extraordinary opportunities that it brings to our city and region. The program is not only a path to a great career, but simultaneously answers the rising demand for healthcare professionals, right here in New London.”
The nursing program also received funding the CT Health Horizons.
The first cohort of nursing students will begin in Fall 2025. Admission to the B.S.N. program is determined after successful completion of first-year perquisites in the health sciences. For information about the Mitchell College Nursing Program, including how to apply and financial aid options, go to mitchell.edu/academic-programs/nursing.
